This article originally appeared in the July/August 2020 issue of Eventing USA magazine and has been updated to reflect the most recent version of the USEF COVID-19 Action Plan.
The USEA Eventing Licensed Officials Committee will be writing a series of articles relating to current rules from the USEF Rules For Eventing and how they are interpreted and implemented. The committee feels that transparency is important, and want to keep everyone current on the rules and how officials are expected/required to implement them.
It was very exciting to see horse trials running again! There was, however, some confusion due to the new USEF COVID-19 Action Plan, so here are some points of clarification:
Federal, state, and local regulations supersede USEF or organizers’ requirements EXCEPT when USEF or organizers’ requirements are more restrictive.
All individuals (participants, grooms, trainers, officials, staff, and volunteers) MUST stay at least six feet (about two arms lengths) from any other person. EXCEPTION: Social distancing does not apply to members of the same household, however, a mask must still be worn.
Masks or face coverings MUST be worn at all times by everyone on the competition grounds (even members of the same household). It is best to have the mask with you at all times and when you dismount you should make sure you put it on again as quickly as you can.
Masks are NOT required while riding in competition or warm-up.
Temperatures must be taken daily by the organizer for all staff, volunteers, service providers, and officials before entering grounds.
Some venues may take temperatures of anyone entering the show grounds, but it is the rider’s responsibility to monitor their own temperature, as well as their support staff.
Anyone with a temperature of 99.5 or higher may not enter the venue.
Please be careful when posting pictures on social media. Posted pictures may insinuate guidelines are not being adhered to due to the angle or distance from where the picture was taken. We need to work together to ensure that our events can continue and only post photos that show the protocols being followed.
Spectators are not permitted on competition grounds; spectators are the general public, fans, or any individuals who are not directly involved in the competition by way of being a participant, a member of competition staff, a service provider (e.g. media or photographer), volunteer, or other support personnel (farrier, veterinarian, etc.).
The USEF COVID-19 Action Plan requirements may change every Tuesday, so please check either the USEF or USEA websites for the latest updates. Organizers will also send out notifications to entered riders.
If you have recently had close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 you must quarantine until 14 days after your last exposure.
Thank you to everyone for your understanding and efforts to help keep everyone safe, while getting the eventing community back to competitions successfully!
Please send questions or other topics that you would like to see discussed to Nancy Knight at [email protected].
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Nestled in the heart of St. Louis County is Queeny Park, the former estate of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edgar M. Queeny. This gorgeous public park features trails, playgrounds, tennis courts, a dog park, and so much more. On any given day you can find cyclists, walkers, families, and more enjoying the sprawling grounds of Queeny Park, but once a year eventers take over as the park hosts the Queeny Park Horse Trials. It is not uncommon for park visitors to watch from a safe distance as horses gallop across the grounds at Queeny Park, making it an event that truly anyone in the community can enjoy. This family-friendly staple in the St. Louis equestrian community has run for over 40 years, offering eventers in Area IV and beyond the opportunity to enjoy the park's ample space and terrain during the weekend-long event.
Where can you find fierce competition at every level, an overwhelming team atmosphere, and tons of spirit? The USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championships of course! The 2022 Championships get underway tonight at 6:00 p.m. EST with the Opening Ceremony and Senior Awards Presentation, and official competition kicks off first thing Saturday morning. A total of 87 championship competitors will be representing 12 schools and make up 22 championship teams which will compete over the course of the weekend at the Chattahoochee Hills Horse Trials.
Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered! Check out the USEA’s Weekend Quick Links for links to information including the prize list, ride times, live scores, and more for all the events running this weekend.
The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to welcome back longtime sponsor, FITS Riding, Ltd. for 2022. They are returning as a ‘Bronze Sponsor of the USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds (AEC)’, a ‘Contributing Sponsor of the USEA Adult Team Championships (ATC)’, a ‘Contributing Sponsor of the USEA Classic Series’, and a ‘Contributing Sponsor of the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championships.’ As a sponsor of these USEA programs, FITS will generously provide gift certificates as prizes for the Intercollegiate championship competitors, AEC and ATC competitors, and Classic Series winners.